Sometimes, it pays to be different. On occasion, you need to go against the grain. If you follow the crowd, you will end up mired among the masses rather than standing comfortably by yourself.

Thus the inspiration for contrarian fantasy plays, particularly in large daily fantasy guaranteed prize pool tournaments (GPPs). You select players most others don’t. You take a stab at a less likely outcome knowing, if that unlikely outcome occurs, you distance yourself more from the field than if you play a lot of chalk.

For example: Those who used Trevor Siemian last week in DFS were in great shape to reach well above the payline. His usage rate was very low — 0.2 percent in the $3 Play-Action tournament at DraftKings. Ryan Tannehill, at a higher price and in a better matchup “on paper” against the Browns, was owned by 11.5 percent.

There was a better likelihood Tannehill would score more than Siemian, but was Tannehill 57.5 times more likely to do so? That was the difference in ownership. Then Siemian outscored Tannehill, 31.98 to 24.96.

You don’t want to invest heavily in a specific contrarian approach. To paraphrase the 2008 film “Tropic Thunder,” you never go full contrarian. You can’t play more than four from any one team anyway, and normally we cap our stacks at three. What you want to do is find some players from one team who are likely to have low usage rates and hope that team gets in a shootout. Then fill the other spots accordingly with confidence plays, without concern about usage rates.

Bears quarterback Brian HoyerUPI

Like, say, the Bears this week. Much of the public will be down on the Bears after injuries to starting quarterback Jay Cutler and starting running back Jeremy Langford. But the Madman would argue they get upgrades at both positions in Brian Hoyer and Jordan Howard.

Plus, they are playing a Lions team that has given up 10 touchdown passes through three games — tied for the league high — to just one interception. Opposing QBs have a league-high 120.2 passer rating against the Lions.

And remember this: Last season, through 11 games before being injured, Hoyer was on pace for a 32-TD, 12-INT season — or Ryan Fitzpatrick-like numbers. We don’t want to make it sound as if Hoyer is a game-changer, but he is no scrub either. He can play a little.

It appears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (knee) will play. Hoyer looked to second WR Kevin White often last week (14 targets overall). He got tight end Zach Miller involved (eighth catches for 78 yards, two touchdowns). And Howard, the Bears’ best back, is in line for significant touches with Langford (ankle) out and Ka’Deem Carey (hamstring) not expected to play.

Sure, a roster built in this fashion easily could go bust. But if it doesn’t? Your chalk team might battle to win enough to cover your entry fee, but a contrarian lineup could net a fortune.

Big Weeks

Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins put up 30 against the Browns last week. Though we don’t trust Cousins & Co. to produce consistently, an occasional breakout game is to be expected. This smells like one.

Dwayne Washington, RB, Lionsat Bears (FD $4,500/DK $3,800)

With no Ameer Abdullah, and Theo Riddick more suited for the third-down/pass-catching role, Washington should shoulder the load on the ground. Hedging here in case the Bears stack goes bust and the Lions shift to clock-eating run game.

Steve Smith Sr., WR, Ravensvs. Raiders (FD $6,100/DK $4,500)

Just because the Titans didn’t feast on a porous Raiders pass defense doesn’t mean Joe Flacco & Co. won’t. With extra attention on Mike Wallace, we will pivot to Smith in DFS.

Hunter Henry, TE, Chargersvs. Colts (FD $4,500/DK $2,700)

With Antonio Gates (hamstring) looking more doubtful than questionable, look for Henry in what should be a high-scoring affair.

Small Weaks

Raiders quarterback Derek CarrGetty Images

Derek Carr, QB, Raidersat Ravens (FD $8,000/DK $6,700)

It is the second straight 1 p.m. East Coast start for the Raiders. The Ravens are allowing fewer than 170 yards passing per game, with just four touchdowns allowed to five interceptions.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Billsat Patriots (FD $7,600/DK $6,700)

We’ve preached this numerous times: If you have a one-weapon offense, no opposing coach disarms that weapon better than Bill Belichick. He will force QB Tyrod Taylor to beat the Pats in the passing game.

Christine Michael, RB, Seahawksat Jets (FD $7,500/DK $6,000)

Don’t be wooed by his strong outing last week vs. the 49ers. Still not sold on Michael as a quality RB, still don’t like the O-line, and the Jets’ run defense is stout.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Jetsat Seahawks (FD $7,500/DK $7,000)

With no Eric Decker, Seattle is free to sell out in pass coverage to limit his effectiveness. Plus, Marshall has been battling knee and foot problems. This makes Quincy Enunwa an interesting DFS option and bye-week seasonal filler.

The Decision

Chiefs quarterback Alex SmithGetty Images

Alex Smith vs. Russell Wilson

Drew: Smith — Count the Madman among those not convinced the Steelers run defense is as bad as its early-season numbers — at least from a fantasy perspective. Pittsburgh allows the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game, despite being among the five most generous in fantasy points allowed. No, we think you attack the Steelers from the air. Smith makes for a sneaky daily option and can serve as a worthy streamer this week. A banged-up Wilson with a weak offensive line against a strong Jets D? Nope.

Jarad: Wilson — I still would take a banged-up Wilson over a game manager like Smith, who has thrown for just three TDs in 143 career pass attempts against the Steelers (Wilson threw two in his only matchup against Gang Green in 2012). Though the Jets’ defense is strong against the run, they are suspect against the pass. Not only have they allowed teams to complete 71.3 percent of passes (second-worst in the league), but they have allowed five receiving TDs (two more than the Steelers), 11 plays of 20 yards or more and a league-worst six plays of 40 yards or more (Seattle already has three plays of 40 yards or more). Seattle will depend on Wilson’s arm (not his legs) and the big-play ability of their receivers.